Summary

"DisneyWar" by James B. Stewart is a detailed account of the tumultuous period in the Walt Disney Company's history, primarily focusing on Michael Eisner's reign as CEO from 1984 to 2005. The narrative begins with Eisner's arrival, highlighting his partnership with Frank Wells and their initial efforts to revitalize a company struggling with outdated practices and takeover threats. It describes the early successes, such as the revitalization of the animation studio with films like "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," as well as live-action hits like "Down and Out in Beverly Hills."

The book delves into the complex relationships between key figures, including the power dynamics between Eisner, Wells, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. It chronicles Katzenberg's rise and eventual acrimonious departure, leading to a significant fracture within the company. The narrative also explores Eisner's growing interest in architecture and his ambitious plans for theme park expansion, particularly Euro Disney, which became a major financial and creative challenge.

As the story progresses, Stewart examines the impact of Frank Wells's death in 1994 and the subsequent power struggles, especially the ill-fated hiring and firing of Michael Ovitz. The book covers Disney's acquisition of ABC and the challenges of integrating the network into the Disney empire. It also details the strained relationship between Disney and Pixar, culminating in the end of their partnership. The book further explores the themes of shareholder value, corporate governance, and Eisner's management style, highlighting the conflicts of interest and the eventual shareholder revolt led by Roy Disney and Stanley Gold.

The latter part of the book covers the intense boardroom battles, the Comcast takeover bid, and Eisner's eventual ouster. It explores the events leading to Roy Disney's resignation and the proxy fight to challenge Eisner's leadership. The book concludes by examining Eisner's legacy, acknowledging his extraordinary achievements while also pointing out his failures and the seeds of the company's decline. Ultimately, "DisneyWar" is a compelling study of power, ambition, and creativity within one of the world's most iconic companies.